Part 5: My Experience Getting A Transplant
On Monday, I sent out a post updating everybody about how I am doing to date. This 5th post begins to answer the 2nd of 7 questions that make up the story. I am going to attempt to describe what it was like to undergo this incredible medical procedure. What did I experience before, during, and after the transplant? It was pretty wild, to say the least. The best way I can describe it is to recommend you watch a recent PBS NOVA episode titled “TRANSPLANTING HOPE.”
I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
2. So, what was it like? What did you experience?
I’m trying to come up with the right words to capture the totality of it all. It was kind of bizarre, weird, and dream-like all at the same time. But I think the best word is “surreal.” Like an out of body experience.
It was like I was standing outside of myself watching this tornado people, organizations, equipment swirling around me. Then all at once, at precisely the right time, it was like something or someone snapped their fingers and everything was focused on one point, one person at one specific point in time and place, and I Loren Bruce was the focus of everyone’s attention.
“Operation Rescue” was launched - The mission was to rescue Loren. Time was critical! Things had to move fast! The whole experience was “Surreal!”
Everyone involved had a specific task to do at a specific time, and they knew exactly what to do and when. It was like I was going through some kind a wormhole or space-like waterslide headed for a particular destination. I felt totally helpless and out-of-control, but at the same time very safe and loved. I was relaxed and laid-back through the entire process.
Believe it or not, I was totally at peace through the whole thing. It was a peace that was beyond my ability to understand and grasp. It was “surreal.” That’s the best way I can explain it. And no, I’m not on drugs or have not been drinking. In fact, from here on out I’m never going to be allowed to ever have a drink. I’ve got new marching orders, “love, cherish, and protect this liver!”
Everyone connected with a transplant like mine, has a specific job to do to strike at precisely the right moment to make this surgery a success. It’s absolutely amazing! Indescribable!
Again, the only way I can let you see what it is like is to recommend you watch the PBS NOVA episode titled “TRANSPLANTING HOPE.” I promise, you won’t be disappointed if you take 45-50 minutes to watch it.
It is something every parent and student should be required to watch in school or at home. I watched a little over a month ago. It is incredibly moving.
Make sure you have Kleenex nearby when you watch it. This NOVA program hits close to home. It starts with the present crisis involving three families, and it traces the experience from the patient and family, to the system that recovers the organ, all the way to the surgeons and medical staff that pull off the miracle of life.
Absolutely incredible! It is about the lives of three patients. One needing a liver, one a heart, and the other a lung.
Here is the link:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
I understand what it was like to be a patient and a liver recipient. This NOVA episode explains who else and what else is involved in a transplant. It helped me more fully understand the incredible medical system and hundreds of people it takes to save one single life, one at a time.
The show reveals the incredible spirit of the love, strength and resiliency that makes up our medical system. We see this same love and strength that is carrying us through our current Pandemic experience. We are, and always will be, in their debt.
So, what did I experience? What did I get to see?
My sister, Gail and my occupational therapist, Natalia.
In a nutshell, a world of unbelievable caring, loving and totally professional people who have dedicated their lives in the service of humanity. It was humbling to be in their presence.
Every single doctor, every single nurse, ever single attendant, resident, fellow… all the way down to the person who emptied the trash and cleaned the room, had a smile on their face filled with love and encouragement. Everyone radiated positive energy. You could feel it deep in your soul.
This environment was the exact opposite of what we see often in the outer world: people filled with hate, fear, cynicism, bitterness, and conflict. Negative energy. The energy that I personally experienced at UPenn was totally positive and healing. It was life! Everyone was present and full of life.
My next post #6 will attempt to answer question Number 3 – “What did I learn? What did you realize as a result of the whole transplant experience? In other words, any life lessons?”
STAY TUNED. MORE TO COME!